Asbestos in Pre-1997 Safes: A Hidden Risk in Irish Workplaces

16 Aug 2025

You’d be forgiven for thinking asbestos was a problem of the past. But a recent Law Society Gazette article has revealed a hidden danger that’s still present in law firms, banks, and other older Irish workplaces: fireproof safes, cabinets, and vaults manufactured before 1997. 

Many of these units contain chrysotile asbestos (used in insulation, linings, or door seals) and are still in use today, often with staff completely unaware of the risks.

Asbestos in Safes: Commonly Used Up to 1997

According to the European Security Systems Association (ESSA), asbestos was commonly used in safes right up until 1997, when EU certification standards finally outlawed the practice. Since then, no national authority in Ireland has issued specific guidance or warnings about this hazard. 

That means many employers are unknowingly housing asbestos-laced equipment that could become dangerous if disturbed during renovations, disposal, or even routine use.

A Health and Safety Wake-Up Call

Asbestos exposure is no small matter. Once fibres are released and inhaled, they can lead to serious illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Because these old safes don’t carry warning labels, hazard identification becomes difficult. 

The danger only comes to light when the units are dismantled or drilled into, by which point the risk has already been triggered. Under Ireland’s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006, employers are legally required to manage any asbestos risks within the workplace. 

What does ‘managing’ the risks look like? Well, it will likely include conducting proper workplace risk assessments and calling in certified asbestos surveyors when there’s uncertainty. If the material is found to be present, only licensed professionals should carry out asbestos removal and disposal in line with current safety regulations.

Get Your Safe Checked Today

If your business operates from a pre-2000 building and uses older safes or fire cabinets, don’t assume they’re safe. Contact a qualified consultancy to carry out a detailed asbestos survey. At OHSS, we help organisations across Ireland manage these legacy risks and deal with hazards that, left unchecked, can cause long-term harm.

Call OHSS today to schedule a survey or get advice on compliance. We’re here to help with everything from occupational health support to full workplace safety planning, so you can focus on business, knowing your team is protected.

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